Appstore
Also known as: app store
An appstore is an online store where apps can be obtained for a particular operating system. The term appstore was introduced for the distribution of software for tablets and smartphones but is now also used for other devices such as laptops and PCs.
The term "store" can cause confusion since, in addition to paid apps, many apps are generally available for free download. This is why it is also referred to as a distribution platform.
For paid apps, payment is handled by the app store. A percentage is deducted from the revenue paid to app publishers in most cases. Most app stores pay out about 70% of the revenue generated to the app makers.
Some well-known examples of app stores:
- Apple App Store (iOS devices)
- Google Play (official app store for Android)
- Windows Store (Microsoft's app store since Windows 8 and Windows 10)
- Mac App Store (for Apple's operating system Mac OS X)
- Amazon Appstore (for Android and Kindle devices)
For a long time, Apple claimed the exclusive right to use the name "App Store. This was also the subject of several lawsuits by the company against parties who used the name. In 2013, it became clear that the term is too generic to prohibit others from using it.
